Board of Directors

Ron Vitrano, Gio’s Dad

Giovanni Vitrano Foundation President

As Gio’s proud father, Ron cherished every moment on the soccer sidelines, witnessing his son’s passion and determination on the field. It was during these games that Ron cultivated deep connections with coaches, players, and the larger Tallahassee soccer community. Through tragedy, he’s channeled his heartbreak into a resolute mission: to keep Gio’s spirited legacy alive by elevating the lives of others in the community.

With multiple Emmy awards under his belt, Ron brings more than just personal commitment to the board. As an Associate Producer for ESPN, he showcases his experience and connections in the sports industry to further our foundation’s goals. His rich history in the industry and his unparalleled dedication to the cause make him an invaluable leader in our mission.

Emilee Copeland, Gio’s Sister

Giovanni Vitrano Foundation Associate Director

As Gio’s older sister, Emilee shared countless memories from the soccer sidelines, cheering him on with all her heart. Their bond, defined by mutual support and love, now propels Emilee’s dedication to the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation. With a pivotal role in the scholarship selection process and a dynamic hand in steering foundation events, Emilee ensures that each endeavor resonates with Gio’s spirit and the foundation’s mission.

Her professional journey as a Catering Sales Manager at Cracker Barrel for over six years has fine-tuned her organizational and management skills, which she seamlessly channels into the foundation’s operations. Outside of her foundation and work responsibilities, Emilee cherishes life’s beautiful moments with her husband, Ben, and their daughter, Ellie.

Mike Fahmie

Giovanni Vitrano Foundation Vice President

From watching a young 7-year-old Gio grow into a talented young man to co-hosting the ‘Ron Vitrano Show’ on ESPN Radio in Tallahassee alongside Ron, Mike’s connection with the Vitrano family runs deep. Their camaraderie solidified with Ron standing as the best man at Mike’s wedding, painting a portrait of two friends sharing life’s highs, lows, and irreplaceable memories.

Beyond their personal bond, Mike brings a diverse set of skills to the foundation, overseeing business operations that encompass technology, finance, events, and scholarships. His dual roles in the professional world have honed these skills to precision. As a Business Analyst for AtkinsRéalis, Mike delves deep into crafting customer service solutions. Concurrently, his tenure as an Associate Producer at ESPN showcases his aptitude in the media sphere, further emphasized by his Emmy win in 2019.

Underpinning his professional accolades is a genuine desire to uphold Gio’s legacy, ensuring the foundation remains a beacon of hope and opportunity in the community.

Tom Block

Giovanni Vitrano Foundation Associate Director

Tom’s illustrious career in the world of broadcasting has always been underpinned by an innate passion for championing the aspirations of student-athletes. Known notably for his roles as the FSU Football Sideline Reporter and play-by-play commentator, Tom’s voice has resonated with countless sports enthusiasts. But beyond the microphone, he’s been instrumental in transforming aspirations into realities. As the Campaign Manager for FSU’s ‘Raise the Torch’, he spearheaded an ambitious fundraising campaign that sought to uplift the university’s legacy and offer unparalleled opportunities to its students.

Now, as he joins the Giovanni Vitrano Board of Directors, Tom channels his vast experience in fundraising to amplify the foundation’s mission. By strategizing new avenues for generating resources and nurturing partnerships, Tom is deeply committed to ensuring that deserving student-athletes in the Tallahassee area are presented with the college opportunities they earnestly seek.

Chris Petley

Director of Community Outreach

An emblematic figure in the Tallahassee community, Chris Petley’s enduring impact resonates both on and off the soccer pitch. As the Founder and President of the Tallahassee Soccer Club, he’s played a pivotal role in establishing a realm where local talents can shine, propelling them to compete in the prestigious South Gulf Coast Division of the National Premier Soccer League.

In 2021, Chris’s significant contributions to the city were celebrated as he was honored with the Tallahassee Award by Mayor John Dailey, a recognition of how he’s made the city richer and more vibrant through the Tallahassee Soccer Club.

However, Chris’s engagement with the community doesn’t conclude at the soccer field’s edge. With over a decade as the Communications Coordinator for the Office of the Superintendent of Leon County Schools, he’s been an unwavering advocate for quality education, ensuring that the bridge of communication between the schools and the community remains sturdy and transparent.

A testament to his dedication to the Tallahassee soccer ecosystem is his organization of the 850 Boys & Girls High School Soccer All-Star Games, a platform showcasing the region’s best soccer prodigies from the Big Bend area.

Joining the Giovanni Vitrano Board of Directors, Chris combines his passion for soccer and his prowess in community outreach, ensuring that the foundation’s vision aligns seamlessly with the communities he holds dear.